Mental Health and Why it Matters

Mental health is not just about surviving; it is about thriving! The world is facing a troubling mental health crisis which also has South Africa in its grips, ranking us as one of the countries with the poorest mental health. This should remind us of the importance of our mental health as a fundamental part of being human and the need to understand it to truly address it.

Our mental health is our emotional, psychological and social well-being and it influences every aspect of our thoughts, feelings and actions and is an integral component of our overall health.

Good mental health is the state of well-being which enables us to cope with daily stressors, to realise and work towards our potential, work productively and contribute meaningfully to our relationships and communities, all of which matter to most of us. Regardless of who we are and where we come from, mental, social and physical well-being are intricately connected and vital elements of living a positive life.

Our physical health is more openly discussed. However mental health is often pushed aside and ignored despite its crucial importance and when neglected it can quietly and gradually wear away at our quality of life.

Your mental health influences:

• Physical health: chronic stress can lead to heart problems, weakened immunity and digestive issues, amongst others.
• Relationships: irritability, withdrawal or low mood can strain communication and intimacy.
• Productivity: trouble focusing or burnout which can lead to slowed work performance.
• Self-esteem: negative thinking and cognitive distortions can lead to hopelessness or poor self-image.
• Decision-making: emotional overwhelm can cloud judgment and choices, often leading to decision-paralysis.

Ignoring our mental health does not just affect our mind but can impact every aspect and layer of our life.

When poor mental health is overlooked or dismissed it does not just go away. Instead, it often manifests in dysfunctional and harmful ways that affect us as an individual, our family and even our greater community. Ignoring our mental health can lead to a variety of concerns which can result in ‘at risk’ behaviours such as:

• Substance abuse as a coping mechanism to distract from, escape from or numb emotional stress. This can develop into a dependency on substances.
• Strained and conflictual relationships that can worsen and lead to a break-down in trust and intimacy.
• Lost opportunities at work or school. These kind of setbacks can affect motivation, long-term goals, self-esteem and even financial stability.
• Emotional dysregulation characterised by intense mood swings, difficulty in managing emotions and impulsive behaviours to attempt to regulate these emotions.
• Increased risk of developing a mental disorder such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
• Increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Emotional distress left untreated can lead to the use of self-harm as a coping tool. In some instances, when left untreated this can escalate into suicidal ideation and often suicidal behaviours.

Clarity is necessary when using both these terms as it is easy to confuse and use them interchangeably.

• Mental health is a state of well-being which affects whether we can cope, work productively and connect socially. It will affect how we will handle stressors, relationships and decision-making.
• A mental disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia which affects thoughts, behaviour, mood and functioning. A diagnosis is made by a qualified and registered psychiatrist or psychologist.

Although not everyone with mental health struggles has a mental disorder, this raises the risk of developing one if left unsupported. Not everyone who has a mental health disorder will always have poor mental health and may go through periods of wellness where they are coping well and managing their well-being effectively.

It is important to understand the distinction as very often those who do not have a diagnosable condition but have mental health struggles could be overlooked and not receive the necessary support and intervention. Misuse of the terms can also foster greater stigma which can cause internalised feelings of shame and fear causing many to avoid seeking early intervention and support.

Recognising the early signs that our mental health is declining can be the difference between coping and crisis. It is important to take notice of the following:

• Changes in sleep patterns: struggling to fall sleep, frequently waking up or oversleeping.
• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts: feeling snappy or impatient, especially over minor issues that would not typically affect you.
• Loss of interest or enjoyment: activities and hobbies that once interested you now feel meaningless or mundane.
• Changes in appetite and/or weight: overeating or lack of appetite, as well as weight changes that are not intentional.
• Social withdrawal: avoiding family, friends and social events.
• Fatigue: persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest.
• Racing thoughts/rumination: constant mental busyness, difficulty focusing or fixation on negative thoughts.
• Increase in ‘at risk behaviours’: turning to self-harm to cope or noticing suicidal ideation.

Noticing when we are not okay isn’t always easy. However, it is the first step toward getting the right support and intervention.

• Talk to someone: whether it is a friend, therapist or support group, sharing your feelings can lighten the emotional load and provide some helpful perspective.
• Create boundaries: say no to things that drain you, negatively impact you or even cause you harm.
• Practice mindfulness: meditation, journaling or simply taking a few deep breaths can help ground you.
• Move your body: exercise releases endorphins and helps regulate mood.
• Seek professional help: therapy is not just for times of crisis, it is a proactive tool for mental wellness.

Understanding and taking care of our mental health is not just about avoiding illness or a diagnosable disorder. It is about thriving emotionally and psychologically so that we can live a meaningful and fulfilling life. We would not wait until we are physically ill to care for our body and to give it the attention it deserves. Likewise, tending to our mental health should be proactive and intentional.

We can think of it like this; when we neglect our mental health, we are neglecting the part of ourselves from which we interact with and interpret the world. Our perceptions, choices and behaviours are all dependant on the clarity and care of our inner world.

Mental health matters because we matter. Paying attention to and recognising the signs of distress can encourage us to seek support and intervention early enough to prevent any decline in our mental health and potential escalation into a crisis.

Whether we are thriving or struggling, mental health is an ongoing journey. Let us normalise talking about it, nurturing it and seeking therapeutic help when needed. Mental health is a necessity and recognising the signs, seeking help and fostering open conversations can help avoid these risks and lead to healing and growth.